Lionistic Year Comes to an End

As June approaches, the 2024-2025 Lionistic year will come to an end. For me, serving as the first-time President of the Seekonk Lions Club has been quite an experience, to say the least. I did not feel fully prepared for this position. Around the same time, I started a new and exciting job that involves daily trips to Stoughton, MA. I had just finished 16 years serving on the Board of Assessors and was looking forward to spending time enjoying the duties and joy brought by our newest grandchild.

I often wonder how I can follow in the footsteps of those who have led this club before me. I’ve always been a participant, not a leader, and I know there are challenges ahead. Our membership is aging, and with that come some limitations. We depend on fundraisers like clam boils, golf tournaments, and food and drink events—each of which requires support and dedication. The phrase I hear often is, “We used to get this many people, but now it’s just a few of us.” Losing four members this year has been tough, but it also reminds us of the importance of coming together and working toward a stronger future. With a little effort and teamwork, I’m confident we can turn things around and continue to serve our community.

Without getting into every detail, the first few months were tough, but they taught us valuable lessons. As a new leadership team, we had to learn how the club operates—when, why, and how we do things. My focus from the start has been on stability and growth. I am committed to keeping our current members engaged and motivated while finding new ways to strengthen and expand our club. We are truly fortunate to have incredible partnerships with the American Legion and Ledgemont Country Club, both of which provide us with a welcoming home to hold our meetings and share in the camaraderie. I am proud to say that I have taken the first step toward achieving my goals, and I am excited about the future.

The Massachusetts Lions District has ambitious goals: “Raise more money and find more members.” They make it sound straightforward, but the reality requires effort. Across the district, there are strong clubs, and Seekonk was once among them. I’d love to see us achieve even a quarter of that former success. It will take hard work, and progress won’t happen overnight. As I step into another year as club president, I am committed to setting new goals—providing dedicated leadership, keeping our members engaged and happy, and offering them a meaningful experience within a charitable organization. Together, I believe we can rebuild and grow our club to new heights

As you read this, I encourage you to take some time this summer to reflect on whether you're ready to make a difference in your community through the Lions Clubs of Massachusetts—specifically, Seekonk. There’s no better time than now to join, and no better place to serve and create a positive impact. I look forward to welcoming you in the fall and working together to make a difference.

Paul Buckley